English Reference
noun

bonding

n.
US /ˈbɑndɪŋ/ UK /bˈɒndɪŋ/ bond·ing UK spelling bondings

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the process of developing a strong feeling of love, trust, or friendship with another person.

    the formation of a close relationship through shared experiences or biological attachment, such as between parent and child.

    Simple

    The weekend camping trip was a great opportunity for father-son bonding.

    In context

    Psychologists emphasise that early skin-to-skin contact is crucial for the biological bonding process between a mother and her newborn infant.

    attachmentconnectionrapprochement
    estrangementdetachment
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of sticking or joining two things together firmly.

    the physical process of adhering or fastening two surfaces or substances together.

    Simple

    The glue provides a strong bonding between the wood and the plastic.

    In context

    The structural integrity of the aircraft depends on the chemical bonding of the composite materials used in the fuselage.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    combining several internet or network connections to make one faster, stronger connection.

    the method of aggregating multiple physical network interfaces into a single logical link to increase throughput or provide redundancy.

    Simple

    We used network bonding to ensure the office internet stayed fast even if one cable failed.

    In context

    By implementing NIC bonding, the server administrator achieved both load balancing and fault tolerance across the local area network.

    aggregationtrunking
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency FormalTechnical Law

    keeping goods in a special warehouse until the necessary taxes are paid.

    the arrangement where imported goods are held in a secure warehouse under government supervision until duties are settled.

    Simple

    The wine was kept in bonding until the importer could pay the customs duty.

    In context

    The shipment remained in bonding for three weeks while the legal dispute regarding the tariff classification was resolved.

It can be part of bonding with others, fitting in or expressing identity.

Phys.org· 4 Sept 2026

Next time you hear someone telling their dog they're "the best dog in the whole world," know they're tapping into an old communication system built for warmth, attention and social bonding.

Phys.org· 12 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated